Chiesa di San Domenico, Romanesque church in Piazza Beata Colomba, Rieti, Italy.
Chiesa di San Domenico is a Romanesque church in Piazza Beata Colomba with a single wide nave and a facade of travertine stone blocks. The interior houses a monumental organ built between 2004 and 2009 based on 18th century designs.
Dominican friars began construction in 1266, though the building later fell into long periods of neglect. After major restoration work, it was reconsecrated in 1994 for religious use.
The interior walls display remarkable frescoes, including a 15th century Crucifixion by a Sienese artist and works by Liberato da Rieti. These artworks offer a sense of the place's artistic importance across several centuries.
The building is open for worship and visits, making it easily accessible to the public. Small windows and a simple wooden entrance door create an intimate feel despite its size.
The building served as a military barracks, sawmill, and garage before returning to its religious purpose. This unusual history shows how versatile Romanesque structures can be and how their use changed over time.
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